Chow Chow Breed Information

A Look at the Chow Chow Breed

Chow Chow dogs have large amounts of fur covering their bodies. Shedding is heavy as you can find out from our Chow Chow care page. It is recognizable by its distinctive blue-black tongue. The colors range from black, tan brown, dark shades of red, and occasionally even white, lighter colors. It is a powerful, rather sturdy breed to deal with. It is medium-sized, quite muscular, with thick bones.

Chow Chow Dog Breed

The head of the Chow Chow is broad, with a wide, rounded muzzle, and stubby ears. It resembles a lion due to the ruff around its neckline, which looks like a lion’s mane. Whether the coat is rough or smooth depends on the type, but it can be either. They also have very straight hind legs, which makes their walk pattern seem stilted.

Origins of the Chow Chow Breed

The Chow Chow breed is quite ancient, deriving its origins from the unforested grasslands of northern China and Mongolia from at least 2,000 years ago. This is known because the Chow Chow dog can be seen depicted in the designs of sculptures and pottery from the Chinese Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 B.C. to 22 A.D. People back then used Chow Chows for several purposes, but the breed can really be used for anything, including herding, protecting the home, and fetching things during hunting season. Indeed, it is one of the oldest breeds.

Chow Chow Breed Temperament

Chow Chows tends to be well-mannered, but can be vicious in situations where the home or the owner is placed into suspected danger, as they are wary among unrecognizable animals and strangers.

It should be known that Chow Chow dogs are usually reserved for one person, as it can become very loyal and fiercely protective of the person it latches on to as its owner. Aside from that, the Chow Chow can be a great companion to have. It is not a demanding dog, unless you get one known for exhibiting a desire to please the owner. Mostly though, they are renowned for doing their own thing, so don’t expect much obedience; find out more about Chow Chow dog training.

Chow Chow Breed Characteristics

Males stand at 18-22 inches (46-56 cm), and females are the same. Male weight is 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), and once again, females about the same. Litter is around five pups. Find out more information about Chow Chow puppies. Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years for a healthy adult.